Tetons

The general avalanche hazard at the upper elevations is MODERATE. Storm totals of 12 inches since Monday morning, associated with strong Westerly and Southwesterly winds, have produced slabs up to 2 feet in depth on leeward slopes. In areas above 8,000 feet on Northerly aspects and above 9,000 feet on Easterly and Westerly aspects, these slabs overlie a strong melt-freeze crust providing a possible sliding surface, and could be triggered by backcountry users today. Avalanches are unlikely at lower elevations where this sliding surface is absent.

Several inches of snow is expected to fall during the day Thursday with 20-30 mph West winds following a period of higher winds during the night as the system enters the area. Mountain temperatures are expected to rise into the low twenties during the afternoon. The general avalanche hazard at high elevations is expected to remain MODERATE where pockets of slab to two feet could be triggered in steep terrain where they are underlain by the old snow crust. In areas where the crust does not lie, avalanches are unlikely as the newer snow lies directly on the ground.